Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Survival Rate - Factors Influencing/percent Survival Rate

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is a lethal cancer that starts in the lining of the lungs. The main cause is believed to be unprotected contact with asbestos. Every year about 3000 new cases of this disease are reported in the United States. It is estimated that over the past fifty years nearly eight million people have been exposed to asbestos and that 300,000 new cases would be reported by the year 2030. The peak may be around 2020 and thereafter the incidence is likely to taper down because of the preventive measures that are being taken.

Mesothelioma Survival Rate : An Introduction

The mesothelioma continuation rate indicates the percentage of people with a certain type and stage of mesothelioma who survive the ailment for a specific menstruation of time later their diagnosis. In most cases, statistics refer to the 5-year mesothelioma continuation rate. The 5-year mesothelioma continuation rate is the division of people who are alive 5 years after a mesothelioma diagnosis, whether they have few or no signs or symptoms of mesothelioma, are free of disease, or are receiving treatment for mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma continuation rate is based on large groups of people, and it cannot be used to predict what will happen to a element patient. No two patients are exactly alike, and mesothelioma treatment and responses to treatment vary greatly.



Factors Influencing the Mesothelioma Survival Rate In general, the mesothelioma relic rate will depend on:

- The stage of mesothelioma (see Mesothelioma Stages)
- The size of the tumor
- Whether the tumor can be withdrawn completely by surgery
- The amount of fluid in the chest or abdomen
- The patient's age and general health, including lung and heart health
- The type of mesothelioma cancer cells and how they appear under a microscope
- Whether the mesothelioma has just been diagnosed or has come back.

Overall Mesothelioma Survival Rate

Survival rates can be estimated by different methods for different purposes. The continuation rates granted here are based on the family survival rate. The comparative existence rate measures the survival of mesothelioma patients in collating to the general citizenry to appraisal the effect of cancer. The overall 5-year relative mesothelioma remainder rate for 1998-2002 was approximately 9 percent.

Below are the dependent survival rates for each year following a mesothelioma diagnosis:

- Year 1 mesothelioma continuation rate: 39 percent
- Year 2 relic rate: 20 percent
- Year 3 continuation rate: 11 percent
- Year 4 survival rate: 10 percent
- Year 5 continuation rate: 9 percent.

From : mesothelioma.emedtv.com,ezinearticles.com

Bladder Cancer Prognosis & Treatment

Bladder cancer prognosis is a medical opinion as to the likely course and outcome of the disease. In other words, the bladder cancer prognosis is the chance that a patient will recover or have a recurrence of bladder cancer. Factors that affect a bladder cancer prognosis include the type and location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, its grade, and the patient's age, general health, and response to treatment.


Bladder Cancer Treatment

Treatment for bladder cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the type of cancer, and the patient's age and overall health. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. In some cases, treatments are combined (e.g., surgery or radiation and chemotherapy, preoperative radiation).

Surgery

The type of surgery depends on the stage of the disease. In early bladder cancer, the tumor may be removed (resected) using instruments inserted through the urethra (transurethral resection).



Bladder cancer that has spread to surrounding tissue (e.g., Stage T2 tumors, Stage T3a tumors) usually requires partial or radical removal of the bladder (cystectomy). Radical cystectomy also involves the removal of nearby lymph nodes and may require a urostomy (opening in the abdomen created for the discharge of urine). Complications include infection, urinary stones, and urine blockages. Newer surgical methods may eliminate the need for an external urinary appliance.

In men, the standard surgical procedure is a cystoprostatectomy (removal of the bladder and prostate) with pelvic lymphadenectomy (removal of the lymph nodes within the hip cavity). The seminal vesicles (semen-conducting tubes) also may be removed. In some cases, this can be performed in a manner that preserves sexual function.

In women with T2 to T3a tumors, the standard surgical procedure is radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder and surrounding organs) with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Radical cystectomy in women also involves removal of the uterus (womb), ovaries, fallopian tubes, anterior vaginal wall (front of the birth canal), and urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body). Recent studies have shown some support for modifying this approach to help conserve sexual function.

Segmental cystectomy (partial removal of the bladder), which is a bladder-preserving procedure, may be used in some cases (e.g., patients with squamous cell carcinomas or adenocarcinomas that arise high in the bladder dome). When segmental cystectomy is performed, it may be preceded by radiation therapy in high-risk patients.



Urinary Tract Diversion

Until recently, most bladder cancer patients who underwent cystectomy (bladder removal) required an ostomy (surgical creation of an artificial opening) and an external bag to collect urine. Newer reconstructive surgical methods include the continent urinary reservoir, the neobladder, and the ileal conduit.

The continent urinary reservoir is a urinary diversion technique that involves using a piece of the colon (large intestine) to form an internal pouch to store urine. The pouch is specially refashioned to prevent back-up of urine into the ureters (tubes that carry urine out of the kidneys and into the bladder) and kidneys. The patient drains the pouch with a catheter several times a day, and the stoma site is easily concealed by a band aid.


The neobladder procedure involves suturing a similar intestinal pouch to the urethra so the patient is able to urinate as before, without the need for a stoma. In many cases, there is no sensation to void, but some patients experience abdominal cramping as the neobladder fills.

Complications of the continent urinary reservoir and neobladder include bowel (intestine) obstruction, blood clots, pneumonia (lung inflammation), ureteral reflux (back-flow), and ureteral blockage.

The ileal conduit is a urinary channel that is surgically created from a small piece of the patient's bowel. During this procedure, the ureters are attached to one end of the bowel segment and the other end is brought out of the surface of the body to make a stoma. An external, urine-collecting bag is attached to the stoma and is worn at all times.

Complications of the ileal conduit procedure include bowel obstruction, urinary tract infection (UTI), blood clots, pneumonia, upper urinary tract damage, and skin breakdown around the stoma.

From : cancer.emedtv.com,urologychannel.com


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How to Stay Away From Cancer With a Strong Immune System.

A strong immune system would keep all kinds of illnesses away. The system is capable of keeping even cancer away. The human immune system has the ability to suppress or stop the growth of cancerous cells. This could explain the dormancy state of many tumors. The human body's first line of defense aids in getting it rid of bacteria, viruses and fungi. A good and strong immune system would help the cancer patients by keeping them away from infections during treatment.

The cancer suppressing state achieved by a strong immune system is known as equilibrium. During this state the cancer cells loose their ability to grow, some cells are killed. Though this effect is not enough to eliminate the cancer or reduce the size of the tumor. Research is on full swing to check the cell killing ability of the equilibrium state so that it could be used for treating cancer in the future.

The immune system has the property of immuno-surveillance by which it can distinguish the malignant tumor cells from the normal cells and can use its components to eliminate the cancerous cells like it does the bacteria and other antigens that invade the body. The theory of immuno- editing which is relatively new states that the immune system naturally recognizes the cancer cells as foreign and negotiates with it to have three outcomes,

-The immune system eliminates and destroys the cancer completely from the body.
-The immune system attains a balance with the cancer cells, checks their growth but does not destroy them.
-The cancer is elusive and the immune system cannot locate it. It spreads and becomes malignant.

Cancer is still under research and lot of things has still to be discovered. One of the main things required to fight cancer is the immune system and this can be achieved by a healthy diet. Recent research has discovered three groups of food that has been found to increase or boost the immune system's functions. This could therefore help in the active prevention of development of cancer. The following is the list of food found to be beneficial:

-Marine algae like kombu and wakame increases immune function and reduce inflammation. These algae have been found to possess fucoidan, a complex sugar polymer which is responsible for the specific function.

-Some Asian mushrooms like the shiitake, the enokitake and the maitake have the ability to stimulate the immune system.

-Probiotics have been found to replenish the body with good and beneficial bacteria. These are essential for the maintenance of the immune system. Yogurt contains live cultures and consuming this is the easiest way to a healthier immune system.

Red wine is another edible substance that has anticancer properties. The wine contains antioxidants that inhibit the development of cancer. Biological therapy is the new kid on the block and uses the body's immune system to fight cancer directly or indirectly. They can also be used to reduce the side effects of cancer treatment.

From : articleclick.com



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How are Colon Polyps Screening?

There are five different stages of colon cancer; a cancer that affects the four to five feet of the upper large intestine. In Stage 0, the cancer hasn't grown past the mucosa of the colon. In Stage I, the cancer has grown through the mucosa but hasn't spread past the colon wall. In Stage II, the cancer has penetrated the wall of the colon, but hasn't yet spread further. In Stage III, the cancer has invaded the surrounding lymph nodes. In Stage IV, the cancer has spread to distant organs through the cancerous lymph nodes. Although 49,920 deaths occur from colorectal cancer each year, it's believed many of these deaths could have been prevented with early detection and treatment.

There are many important risk factors for cancer of the colon that makes someone a good candidate for colon cancer screening. Age is one factor, as about 90% of people diagnosed with this cancer are over 50. People are also more at-risk if they have ever had colorectal cancer, polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, acromegaly (a growth hormone disorder) or radiation therapy as part of another cancer treatment. Some studies have shown that a greater risk exists for people who eat diets low in fiber and high in fat/calories, or diets high in red meat/processed meats. Obese individuals and smokers have an increased chance of developing and dying from this type of cancer too. As with most health conditions, genetics also play a role in many cases.



Approximately 5% of all colon cancer is caused by a genetic syndrome passed through the familial line. These syndromes include FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis) and Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer). About 95% of the people diagnosed with either syndrome will develop colon polyps that lead to cancer. The good news is that both of these syndromes are detectable through genetic testing. The idea that someone without these syndromes will develop the cancer because an aunt, grandmother, sibling or parent has is still debated. Some say the family may have all been exposed to the same environmental conditions or unhealthy lifestyle.

Surgery is the primary treatment of advanced colon cancer, where the affected portion of the colon is removed. Sometimes the healthy portions of the colon can simply be reconnected, while other times a bag must be inserted to collect waste. In the early stages, cancerous polyps can be removed with the colonoscope during screening or through non-invasive laparoscopic surgery. Metastatic colon cancer usually requires chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to remove any leftover cancer that has migrated through the body. Additionally, an exciting new field called "targeted drug therapy" uses the drugs bevacizumab (Avastin), cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab (Vectibix) to prevent tumors from developing new blood vessels (thereby cutting off the nutrient/oxygen flow to cancerous cells) and to inhibit the chemical signal that causes these harmful cells to reproduce.

I urge you to learn more about colon cancer and how colonoscopy screening can save lives. Do not think that colon cleansing is substitute for colon cancer screening. Get the facts about colon cancer today.

From : www.articleclick.com


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Bladder Cancer : Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Bladder is a hollow organ located in lower abdomen i.e. the pelvic region which stores urine coming from kidney. Bladder cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer; seen more in aged people. Men are said to be infected by this tumor more than women. Studies suggest that the ratio of men getting infected is 1:30 whereas for women the ratio is 1: 90.

Bladder cancer can be benign i.e. restricted to the inner most lining of the bladder or it can also be malignant i.e. spreading to the muscular portion of the bladder. Bladder cancer is said to spread through the lymph cells and blood to the other parts of the body, infecting everything.

Bladder cancer can be categorized into three different categories: urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Urothelial carcinoma is the most common form of bladder cancer and nearly 90% of people suffering from bladder cancer have this form of cancer.

Causes: There are various factors leading to this type of cancer. First and foremost; it is caused with the growing age of a person. Secondly; people with excessive intake of fried meat and animal fat, in daily diet, have a great risk of suffering from this form of cancer. Smoking increases chances of bladder cancer. Then there are chemicals too responsible for bladder cancer.

People working in industries dealing with aromatic amines are common sufferers of this problem. Moreover individuals working in leather industry, dyes, textiles, rubber, hair coloring, and paint too are at a risk. There are others who under weight loss programme consume a Chinese herb known as "aristolochai fangchi"� which is supposed to be causing bladder cancer.

There are other causes like when a person has been suffering from urinary infection for a long time then he too is prone to this tumor. Hereditary factors too can't be ignored.

Symptoms: bladder cancer does not have any unusual symptom. Infact the symptoms are very similar to any urinary tract infection. The most noticeable symptom is blood in urine. Then there are other things to watch out for like burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, urge to urinate after every half an hour but the quantity of urine coming out is very less.

Though these symptoms are not very typical of bladder cancer but nevertheless one is expected to go to an urologist with any kind of bladder infection. However in bladder cancer the symptoms are not visible till in a later stage of infection. This proves to be very risky as it is a well known fact that any tumor at late stages is difficult to cure.

Once the presence of tumor has been established it is important to go for treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, biological therapy or immunotherapy as soon as possible. However the course of treatment is dependent on the type of tumor, age and health of the person .for bladder cancer it is a well known fact that it can reoccur at later stages. People who suffer from frequent urinary infections or who have a history of bladder cancer should go for regular screening to detect the cancer at early stages.

From : http://www.articleclick.com



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Boosting Your Immune System - Prevent Cancer

Cancer usually occurs from genetic, environmental, food, and lifestyle factors. The bodies of most people will fight off cancer cells before they have a chance to multiply and grow; however, sometimes the body is unable to eliminate toxic cells. The best way to fight off cancer cells before they have a chance to attack the body is to make sure your immune system is healthy. Effective ways to prevent and fight off caner cell are as follows

Step 1

Avoid sugar and sugar substitutes to prevent cancer. Cancer feeds off sugar and the harmful chemicals in sugar substitutes.

Step 2

Substitute unsweetened soy milk for regular milk. Most milk has added hormones that are toxic to the body.

Step 3

Drink green tea to boost your immune system. Green tea contains anti-oxidants that help prevent cancer.

Step 4

Eat less meat and more fish. Most meat in the United States contain harmful hormones, antibiotics, and parasites, which are harmful to everyone, especially people who already have cancer.

Step 5

Eat more fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and whole grains to prevent cancer.

Step 6

Take supplements that boost the immune system. Take anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to help your immune system. Vitamin E helps the body eliminate bad cells.

Step 7

Exercise every day. Even a daily twenty minute walk will help improve your immune system and prevent cancer.

From : http://www.ehow.com



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Genetic Link Between Leukemia And Down's Syndrome

Researchers are closer to developing drugs to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after identifying mutations in the JAK2 gene involved in Down's syndrome, which is associated with this form of leukemia. Dr Shai Izraeli (Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat Gan, Israel) and colleagues explain their research in an article published early online and in an upcoming edition of The Lancet.

A cancer of the blood or bone marrow, leukemia is a disease characterized by abnormal reproduction of leukocytes, or white blood cells. Down's syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs when a human has a third copy of chromosome 21 rather than the normal 23 pairs of chromosomes. Not only does Down's syndrome leave children with impaired cognitive ability and physical growth, but the condition also results in a 20-times increased risk of developing acute leukemia, including ALL. Since mutations of the gene JAK2 have been linked to cancers that affect other types of white blood cell (myeloproliferative) disorders, Dr Izraeli and colleagues hypothesized that mutations of JAK2 are a common molecular event found in Down's syndrome-related ALL.

The tests required bone marrow samples from patients with Down's syndrome-related ALL. Of 87 patients who met the necessary criteria, 18% (16) had somatically (spontaneous, not inherited) acquired JAK2 mutations. In addition, the researchers found that children with a JAK2 mutation were 4.1 years younger at ALL diagnosis than those children who did not have the mutation - 4.5 years vs. 8.6 years. The study revealed five mutations (alleles) that each affected a single amino-acid residue in the protein that the gene encoded, called R683.

Dr Izraeli and colleagues conclude that there is a specific association between the development of conditions such as ALL and somatic mutation in the JAK2 gene. They write: "Somatically acquired R683 JAK2 mutations define a distinct acute lymphoblastic leukaemia subgroup that is uniquely associated with Down's Syndrome. JAK2 inhibitors could be useful for treatment of this leukaemia."

Dr Charles G Mullighan (St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA) writes in an accompanying editorial about the substantial progress that has been made in resequencing entire genomes leukemia and other tumors. Mullighan writes: "These approaches, coupled with genome-wide analyses of alterations to DNA copy number and epigenetic phenomena, will lay bare the genome of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and allow us to identify logical pathways for therapeutic intervention in this disease."

Mutations of JAK2 in acute lymphoblastic leukaemias associated with Down's syndrome
Dani Bercovich, Ithamar Ganmore, Linda M Scott, Gilad Wainreb, Yehudit Birger, Arava Elimelech, Chen Shochat, Giovanni Cazzaniga, Andrea Biondi, Giuseppe Basso, Gunnar Cario, Martin Schrappe, Martin Stanulla, Sabine Strehl, Oskar A Haas, Georg Mann, Vera Binder, Arndt Borkhardt, Helena Kempski, Jan Trka, Bella Bielorei, Smadar Avigad, Batia Stark, Owen Smith, Nicole Dastugue, Jean-Pierre Bourquin, Nir Ben Tal, Anthony R Green, Shai Izraeli
The Lancet (2008).

From : http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/122203.php


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Down Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: The Paradox of Increased Risk for Leukemia and Heightened Sensitivity to Chemotherapy

Georgia Ginopolis Chair for Pediatric Cancer and Hematology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI

IN DECEMBER 1990, at the 22nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology, investigators from the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG; now part of Children’s Oncology Group [COG]) initially presented the unique responsiveness of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children with Down syndrome (DS) compared with AML in children without DS, followed by a more complete report in 1992.1,2 Publications before these two reports either commented on the rather dismal outcome of AML in children with DS3 or the lack of any significant difference in survival from children without DS,4 with one anecdotal exception—a comment published in 1989 by Lie,5 noting a possible superior outcome. Since then, the high curability of AML in children with DS has been the subject of numerous publications, supported by the molecular, biochemical, and pharmacologic bases for the markedly superior outcome compared with AML in children without DS. Although all 12 DS children with AML enrolled on the original study POG 8498 achieved complete remission and were long survivors, subsequent publications, while noting the continuing evidence for the high curability (>= 75% event-free survival [EFS] for DS-AML), raised concern for increased mortality with intensification of therapy. This high responsiveness to chemotherapy of AML in those with DS is especially remarkable, given that phenotypically it has the features of megakaryocytic leukemia (AMkL) and is often preceded by a history of myelodysplastic syndrome, both considered poor prognostic predictors of AML in individuals without DS.6,7

In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Gamis et al8 examine the experience with AML in children with DS treated on CCG (Children’s Cancer Group, now also part of the COG) study 2891 and report that among children with DS with AML, age older than 2 years may be a relative poor-risk feature. Multivariate analysis of data showed that children with DS who were 2 years or older at diagnosis had an increased risk of relapse (odds ratio 4.9; P = .006). An implication is that in DS children over 2 years AML may be biologically similar to de novo AML, hence the poorer response. Several questions emerge as a result.

Is the Leukemia in DS Biologically Different Based on Age at Diagnosis?

A closer examination of the data of Gamis et al suggests that the risk varies within age groups: "Patients who had AML that was diagnosed between ages 0 to 2 years (n = 94) had a 6-year EFS of 86%, those older than 2 to 4 years (n = 58) had a 70% EFS, and those older than 4 years (n = 9) had a 28% EFS." Thus, for children with DS who are older than 4 years, the EFS is markedly inferior, and is the same as for non-DS children without DS with AML receiving the "standard timing 4 day course" of the dexamethasone, cytarabine, 6-thioguanine, etoposide, and rubidomycin (DCTER) regimen (EFS 21% standard induction- see abstract of Gamis et al8). No data are presented separately for the 2 to 3 and 3 to 4 years age groups, nor are there any details of the individual cases of those older than 4 years. Regardless, the markedly inferior outcome in those 4 years or older would create a "Will Rogers" phenomenon, whether the age cut is at 2 or 3 years, because of stage or risk migration.9 Since the overwhelming majority of children with DS with AML are younger than 3 years of age and only 14% (23 of 161) were older than 36 months in the Gamis et al report, one could argue that if age-related biologic differences in the nature of AML in children with DS existed, a better age cut may be beyond 36 or 48 months of age.

The increased risk for AML in children with DS is well known.6,10,11 Children with DS are also known to have a form of spontaneously resolving leukemia, which is variously referred to as transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) or transient leukemia. Zipursky et al10,11 have noted that infants with DS who had TMD have a higher risk for the later development of AMkL, usually by 3 years of age. Recent studies have shown that nonactivating mutations of GATA1 are present in virtually all cases of DS-AML (all of the studied cases to date were in those younger than 4 years) and that the same mutations are seen in TMD cases as well.12–16 Further, in paired samples of TMD and AMkL in the same child, identical GATA1 mutations were noted.13 Backtracking studies in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia and AML suggest an in utero origin of a leukemic clone in the majority of cases, and a suggestion that the leukemic load at birth may be lower in those with leukemia diagnosed later in childhood.17–19 Thus, an important question to be pursued from the report of Gamis et al8 is whether DS-AML cases older than 2 years lack prior history of TMD and GATA1 mutations? If so, it would clearly indicate a different biologic origin and possibly a difference in response.

What Is the Optimal Therapy for DS-AML?

The superior outcome in DS became obvious only after the inclusion of high-dose cytarabine (Ara-C; HiDAC) in the treatment of childhood AML. Thus, the prevailing opinion is that two or more courses of HiDAC post–remission induction may be necessary for optimal therapy. However, the 100% EFS reported by the POG investigators, based on the POG 8498 AML regimen, has not been duplicated in subsequent studies by POG or by other groups.20–23 Successor studies to POG 8498 eliminated the historic combination course of prednisone, vincristine, methotrexate, and 6-mercaptopurine (POMP), plus the final four courses of conventional dose Ara-C, and sought to intensify the postinduction courses. At the same time, recognition of the unique responsiveness of AML in children with DS lead both to greater enrollment of DS cases on therapeutic studies and the recognition of risk for toxicity and the potential for mortality from infections.24,25 Gamis et al observed no increase in mortality rate in children with DS, but did observe high pulmonary toxicity during induction, including the need for ventilatory support and an increased incidence of mucositis and skin toxicity (perhaps from Ara-C) during intensification. Prolonged induction toxicity may result in premature patient withdrawal from a clinical trial because of concerns from both parents and physicians of putting a developmentally challenged child through excessive toxicity. Studies from Nordic countries and from Germany have shown that undertreated children with DS with AML had markedly inferior outcomes.21,22 Such vagaries in small cohorts may have a profound effect on the eventual outcomes, and it would therefore be of interest to know how many patients completed all courses of chemotherapy in the older age groups of children with DS in the CCG 2891 study. Results with intensively-timed DCTER arm of CCG 2891 in children with DS were worse than with standard-timed DCTER.6 Furthermore, Kojima et al26 obtained an 80% 8-year EFS with two to eight courses of conventional-dose daunorubicin or etoposide, and Ara-C in a 3+3+7-day combination. Hence, moderate-intensity therapy (as in the Japanese study or standard 3+7 combination of daunorubicin + Ara-C, followed by two courses of HiDAC for six doses, each given after full recovery of counts) seems to be the most optimal therapy.

Could the Difference in Outcome by Age Observed by Gamis et al Have a Pharmacologic or Biochemical Basis?

No studies were done, and hence, only speculations are possible. There are several genes on chromosome 21 that not only alter the sensitivity to Ara-C, but also to anthracyclines and other drugs in both specific and nonspecific manners.24,27–29

De novo modulation of cytarabine metabolism.
Taub et al29 noted that the expression levels of two chromosome-21 localized genes, cystathionine B-synthase (CBS), and superoxide dismutase (SOD1), were several fold higher than expected from gene dosage effect. Increased activity of CBS (21q22.1) has been linked to the low levels of homocysteine, methionine, s-adenosyl methionine, and a relative folate deficiency in DS. The relative folate deficiency related to CBS potentially primes the cells for Ara-C cytotoxicity. The net effect of increased CBS activity is a decreased generation of deoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP). Low dTTP results in the release of the feedback inhibition of deoxycytidine deaminase, resulting in decreased levels of deoxycytidine monophosphate and deoxycytidine triphosphate (dCTP), while deoxycytidine kinase activity is upregulated because of low deoxycytidine monophosphate. In this setting, administration of Ara-C would result in a net increase in the generation of Ara-C triphosphate (Ara-CTP), with less competition from dCTP for binding to DNA and RNA polymerase.27 In studies by the Wayne State group, 27 DS-AML cells have low endogenous dCTP and are significantly more sensitive to Ara-C in the in vitro tetrazolium based cytotoxicity assays; there was a positive correlation of the Ara-C triphosphate values with the CBS transcript levels, which were increased up to 10-fold, and the IC50 values, as expected, had an inverse relationship to the CBS expression level.29

Increased multidrug sensitivity in DS.
In addition to unique endogenous modulation of Ara-C metabolism, DS-AML cells are also unusually sensitive to daunorubicin and other drugs.28,30–33 Chromosome-21 localized carbonyl reductase is involved in the metabolism of anthracyclines, converting the parent drug to a less potent but longer-lasting alcohol derivative (daunorubicinol). The DS cells may be primed to undergo drug-induced apoptosis, presumably due to the well-known increased generation of oxygen radicals in DS cells.24,34,35 The neuronal damage in DS has been linked to increased oxygen radical generation. The precise mechanism of the spontaneous increased oxygen radical generation in DS cells is unknown.36 Paradoxically, a modestly increased activity of superoxide dismutase 1, in the absence of concomitantly increased catalase, may actually be harmful presumably by generating increased amounts of the highly reactive hydroxyl radicals.20,35

Epigenetic influences on treatment response in DS-AML.
If future studies of DS-AML confirm the observations of Gamis et al, a closer look at the epigenetic phenomena that effect the cancer drug metabolism and the overall response to cytotoxic therapy as well, would have to be taken into account. For example, older children with DS are known to have neuroendocrine abnormalities and immune defects.37,38 Zinc deficiency, a well-known feature in older children with DS, has long been suspected as the culprit. There are more than 300 enzymes and 2,000 transcription factors (the list includes GATA1) that are zinc dependent.39 Of particular interest in the DS setting is the zinc dependency of SOD1 and several enzymes involved in B12-folate/thymidine synthetic pathway, including pyridoxal kinase (pyridoxal phosphatase is a cofactor for CBS), thymidine kinase, and 5' nucleotidase. The potential role of SOD1 and CBS has been discussed above. The defective immunity may contribute to the increased morbidity following intensive chemotherapy.

In summary, DS is a unique model for studying the association of leukemia (cancer) biology and therapeutic response. On the one hand, constitutional trisomy of chromosome 21 increases the risk for leukemia several-fold, but on the other, the leukemia is highly sensitive to chemotherapy. There is likely an Achilles’ heel associated with each of the somatic mutations and chromosomal aberrations, resulting in an increased risk for cancer; however, it is up to us to discover it. It is important to recognize that the molecular oncogenic event and the Achilles’ heel may not be one and the same.

From : http://jco.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/full/21/18/3385


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Leukemia/Down syndrome

A cancer of the blood or bone marrow, leukemia is a disease characterized by abnormal reproduction of leukocytes, or white blood cells.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs when a human has a third copy of chromosome 21 rather than the normal 23 pairs of chromosomes. Not only does Down syndrome leave children with impaired cognitive ability and physical growth, but the condition also results in a 20-times increased risk of developing acute leukemia.

Why am I posting about Leukemia and the risks in children w/Down syndrome? Because often I think about it...often I see a "sign" and get worried--

Anemia

Recurrent Infections
Bone and Joint Pain
Abdominal Distress .
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Difficulty Breathing or Dyspnea

Last Friday night I noticed a few of these signs; anemia, abdominal aches and petechia--broken blood vessels on the stomach/back area.

I called pediatrician for a CBC (complete blood count) this morning and finally a few hours after lunch the results came back--everything looked good. Thanks be to God!!

I was a bit shaken up the entire day. I just surely hope that I never need to go through that again!!

From : http://sainterin.blogspot.com/


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Cancer information mesothelioma treatment pleural cancer

Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest diseases known to man; the average life span of an inflicted person from the time of diagnosis until death is less than 24 months. It’s a disease that strikes approximately 3,000 United States citizens each and every year; hard working people who have labored for a lifetime to provide for their families, doing the work that keeps this country running and a great place to live. They worked in factories, at shipyards, in mines, for the US military, as engineers, as pipefitters, as steel workers, as auto mechanics, and in so many other professions. They came home to their loved ones exhausted and covered in dirt and dust; tired, but content that they had a job and were providing for their family. Content that they were putting food on the table and a house over their loved one’s heads. Content that they were working to make a better life for their families in this generation and the next...

But what they didn’t know was that while they were working so hard, they were not only slowly killing themselves, but those that they were working so hard to help; their family, their loved ones.

Mesothelioma is a disease that is almost 100% preventable; the only known cause is via exposure to the deadly mineral Asbestos. It comes from inhaling the particles of dust as the asbestos degrades; eating away at the lining of your lungs and developing into a deadly cancer. Dust that was inhaled in clouds of white powder, dust that was carried home on the clothes of the men who built this country, dust that was cleaned from the clothes by the wives and children who supported their sole provider at home, dust that was packed around the heating systems in houses and offices and schools, dust that carried a deadly price; and dust made a fortune in blood money for the companies that produced it.

Unfortunately, the effects of asbestos on the human body were known to be deadly for years by the companies who employed the ‘greatest generation’ and made hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars off of their backs. But instead of taking simple steps to alleviate the problem and save the lives of thousands of their workers, they choose to do nothing and continue to make a “healthy” profit with a “deadly” product. Many even went so far as to hide the truth from their workers and their families. And because the normal latency period for Mesothelioma (The time from exposure until the patient falls ill) is 20 to 30 years, many got away with this for years. We are only now beginning to see the full effects of the disease, and feel the terrible outcry of the people against those who put profits before human lives to a degree that is simply unfathomable.

MesoLink.org is a site created to provide you with up to date information on the deadly disease Mesothelioma. We strive to provide the most complete overview of the disease and all aspects of it. This includes general information on the disease, breaking news on the search for a cure and perspective legislation designed to limit you as well as all other news on the subject, links to other sites and online resources that can provide important and in-depth Mesothelioma and cancer related information, and a legal guide to help you with the complex legal issues involved with Mesothelioma.

From : http://www.mesolink.org/


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Malignant peritoneal pleural mesothelioma asbestos cancer and treatment information

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the linings of the lungs, chest, abdomen, and the organs contained in those areas, rather than a cancer that forms in the lungs.They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Mesothelioma is most frequently caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals. Asbestos releases strong, microscopic fibers that may injure the protective linings surrounding the body's organs.Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon, but no longer rare, cancer that is difficult to diagnose and poorly responsive to therapy. Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. Thousands of Americans die each year from asbestos related disease including mesothelioma cancer.

A layer of specialized cells called mesothelial cells lines the chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart. These cells also cover the outer surface of most internal organs. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium.There are three main types of malignant mesothelioma: epithelial, sarcomatoid and mixed. The epithelial type is the most common.

The mesothelium helps protect the organs by producing a special lubricating fluid that allows organs to move around. For example, this fluid makes it easier for the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The mesothelium of the chest is called the pleura and the mesothelium of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. The mesothelium of the pericardial cavity (the "sac-like" space around the heart) is called the pericardium.

Tumors of the mesothelium can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A malignant tumor of the mesothelium is called a malignant mesothelioma. Because most mesothelial tumors are cancerous, malignant mesothelioma is often simply called mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma was recognized as a tumor of the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium in the late 1700's. However it was not until much later, in 1960, that this particular type of tumor was described in more detail and even more importantly, its association with asbestos exposure was recognized. The first report linking mesothelioma to asbestos exposure was written by J.C.Wagner, and described 32 cases of workers in the "Asbestos Hills" in South Africa. Since then, the relationship between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure has been confirmed in studies around the world. Once it develops, this type of cancer will continue to grow and spread until it is treated.

About three-fourths of malignant mesothelioma occurrences start in the chest cavity and is known as pleural mesothelioma. Another 10% to 20% begin in the abdomen and is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma, starting in the cavity around the heart, is very rare. The covering layer of the testicles is actually an out pouching of peritoneum into the scrotum. Mesothelioma that affects this covering of the testicles is quite rare.

About 90 percent of people who are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma have chest pain or shortness of breath as the first symptoms of the disease. Chest pain is caused mainly by the cancer itself, which irritates nerve cells in nearby tissues. Less severe chest discomfort and shortness of breath generally are caused by a collection of fluid between the two layers of the pleura in the chest, not by the cancer itself. This collection of fluid is called a pleural effusion. People with mesothelioma that develops in the abdominal lining can have abdominal pain and swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Other possible symptoms include cough, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

Mesothelioma is not caused by smoking, as lung cancer so often is. Instead, mesothelioma is tied almost exclusively to the mineral asbestos. Of the 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma reported in the United States each year, 70 to 80 percent can be traced to tiny, airborne shards of asbestos, which in the past was used in the production of construction materials ranging from cement to shingles to siding, and was extensively used as insulation.

Mesothelioma also is not a disease of the past. Although protections against occupational asbestos exposure have been in place since the 1970s, asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma can take 30 to 50 years to show up, according to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.

There are several misconceptions about mesothelioma.
For one thing, it is not lung cancer. It is a cancer of the two-layered membrane that covers and protects most of the body’s organs. That membrane, the mesothelium, is also called pericardium where it covers the heart, peritoneum where it surrounds most of the other abdominal organs, and pleura where it envelops the lungs, which is also where it most often turns cancerous.

The mesothelium of the chest is called the pleura

The mesothelium of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum.

The mesothelium of the pericardial cavity ("sac-like" space around the heart) is called the pericardium.

About 50 to 70 percent of its occurrences are the epithelioid type: This type has the best forecast (outlook for survival).

Three Types of Mesothelioma Cancer

Pleural Mesothelioma Cancer

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma. It is the form that affects the pleural space, the thin membrane between the lungs and the chest cavity, but often spreads widely and invades other thoracic structures. Patients are often older men who experience dyspnea (difficult or labored respiration), chest pain, extensive pleural effusions (leakage of fluid through the membrane surrounding the lungs), coughing up of blood, raspy voices, and shortness of breath. Pleural mesothelioma is usually fatal within one year.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a form of mesothelioma that affects the peritoneum (the membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity), resulting in tumors in the stomach and abdominal organs. It may spread to involve the intestines and cause obstruction. Symptoms include ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen), pain, a mass in the abdomen, loss of appetite, anemia, fever, vomiting, and blood clotting abnormalities.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Cancer

The third and rarest type of this disease is pericardial mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the tissue and cavity surrounding the heart. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive coughing, and palpitations (abnormally rapid and strong heart beat).

From : http://www.mesotheliomatreatmentcenters.org


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settlement mesothelioma treatment cancer information pleural

Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer that kills approximately 2,500 to 3,000 people each year in the U.S. Mesothelioma cancer has been diagnosed at an alarming rate, based in part on two factors:

Since the latency period for mesothelioma cancer to show symptoms is often up to 50 years after asbestos exposure, many WWII veterans and others who were exposed to asbestos in the 1940s and 50s are now being diagnosed with having a type of asbestos cancer.

Mesothelioma used to be misdiagnosed as other types of cancer or respiratory diseases. Nowadays, the tests for mesothelioma are better, physicians are more aware of the existence of mesothelioma, and the disease is being “caught” more often.

What Is Mesothelioma Cancer?

The mesothelium is a tissue lining inside the chest cavity of the body. Although there are several specific types of mesothelioma cancer, such as pleural mesothelioma and malignant mesothelioma, the cancer most often attacks the pleura. The pleura is the tissue sac that holds the lungs. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually fatal. The average life expectancy after a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis is about 18 months.

How Does Someone Get Mesothelioma Cancer?

The only confirmed cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is composed of millions of fibers that are too small to see with the naked eye. When a product that contains asbestos is manipulated — that is, when it is installed or removed or repaired or just in poor condition — it is likely to shed or release some of these fibers, which are so light that they float in the air for hours or even days. People in the vicinity can breathe in the asbestos fibers without even knowing they are doing so.

The asbestos fibers become lodged in the lungs and/or other internal organs, where they can cause the development of mesothelioma. This cancer is common among people who work in asbestos mines or work with asbestos products (which are very common in the construction of buildings and ships), but people who are simply exposed to an asbestos product can also develop mesothelioma cancer.Although a curable mesothelioma treatment has not yet been found, researchers are constantly working to cure the illness. Mesothelioma treatment centers have also been opened throughout the country to help support those who are living with the illness.

Who Is Vulnerable to Mesothelioma Cancer?

Mesothelioma is more common compared to the general population, among the following occupations:

Plumbers
Pipefitters
Steamfitters
Shipyard workers
Electricians
Elementary school teachers (perhaps because of time spent in classrooms with asbestos-containing ceilings)

Asbestos Products Are Everywhere

However, since asbestos-containing products are estimated to have been installed in hundreds of millions of homes, schools, office buildings, factories, and other structures in the U.S. in the 1940s through the 1970s, it is possible for virtually anyone to be exposed to a toxic level of asbestos.

Is there a Mesothelioma Treatment?

If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, learn all that you can about this disease and about your rights and options.

From : http://www.mesotheliomatreatmentcenters.org


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Alabama attorney mesothelioma pleural

This page contains all the information that you will ever need about alabama attorney mesothelioma pleural. If you have been searching the internet for alabama attorney mesothelioma pleural be sure to checkout the assortment of links about alabama attorney mesothelioma pleural. At the bottom of the page you will notice that there is updated news about alabama attorney mesothelioma pleural and other related news. Feel free to browse the site, and enjoy your search for alabama attorney mesothelioma pleural.



And if you don't find anything about alabama attorney mesothelioma pleural on our site be sure to check out the search engines.

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Our Austin-Based Pleural Mesothelioma Attorney Serves Houston and All of Texas

Understanding Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, the protective sac that covers and protects most internal organs of the body. The mesothelium has two layers, one, which covers the organ, and a second The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. It is difficult to diagnose and treat, there are a number of options available to you. Read the resources below to learn more about treating mesothelioma and related conditions Treating Mesothelioma with Surgery Treating Mesothelioma with Chemotherapy Treating Mesothelioma with Gene Therapy Alternative Therapies Leading Cancer Hospitals and Clinics Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma Each treatment carries benefits and risks, so it is important that you understand the fees being charges. Contingency is the term that means that the lawyer gets paid only after they collect money for you. The amount of the contingency fee that your lawyer can charge varies and is usually between 33 and 40 . It is important to discuss fees openly, ask what services they cover, how they are calculated, and whether there will be any extra charges. Finally, for something as important as a mesothelioma lawsuit, your attorney should not only.

At Mundy & Singley of Austin we understand the fear and confusion a person faces when first diagnosed with asbestos-linked pleural mesothelioma or any other form of dreaded cancer. In addition to the extreme hardship on the meso victim, mesothelioma can wreak havoc on the victim’s family. We recognize that mesothelioma also brings extreme hardship to your family emotionally and financially who in addition to worrying about the meso victim, now must worry about the mounting medical bills, lost income and uncertain future. While we cannot cure mesothelioma, we can work for you and your family to try to make something good come from a very bad situation. Our Austin asbestos mesothelioma attorneys will fight to achieve compensation and justice when a diagnosis of pericardial, peritoneal, or pleural mesothelioma impacts a client who either lives or worked in any Texas community.

If you are exhibiting symptoms related to mesothelioma, or if you have ever worked with or around asbestos, it is critical that you contact our office in Austin to speak with a pleural mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible. We can help to begin the legal process of protecting you and your loved ones.

From : http://www.mundysingley.com/html/mesothelioma.html


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Mesothelioma - Attorney Mesothelioma Michigan Pleural

All about Mesothelioma - attorney mesothelioma michigan pleural ... Attorney Mesothelioma Michigan Pleural Info. Alaska Mesothelioma Attorney. Arkansas Asbestos Attorney ...

Michigan Mesothelioma Attorneys

Just as Mesothelioma attorneys have specific experience and training, patients seek medical experts who have education and experience focused on this type of cancer. Michigan Mesothelioma attorneys review a patient's records and build a legal case based on the careful and thorough documentation of medical professionals. Although these physicians are not endorsed by this Web site, they do specialize in Mesothelioma treatment and care, evidence that this rare form of cancer requires expert management from medical professionals.

LawInfo Lead Counsel Qualified Mesothelioma Attorneys

W. Roy Smythe, MD
Professor and Chairman/Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University System Health Sciences Center, Scott & White Hospital, Temple, TXPhone: 254-724-2595 Dr. Smythe is currently accruing patients for a protocol involving extrapleural pneumonectomy and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).

David C. Rice, MD
Assistant Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery; Director, Mesothelioma Program; Director, Minimally Invasive Surgery Program, Thoracic Surgery/The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TXPhone: (713) 794-1477

Dr. Rice is currently concluding enrollment on a Phase II trial of extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) followed by Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). He is also planning a new trial of preoperative Alimta/Cisplatin, followed by EPP and IMRT.

David J. Sugarbaker, MD
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA Chief, Department of Surgical Services/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MAPhone: (617) 732-6824 Dr. Sugarbaker supports aggressive treatment of pleural mesothelioma. He advocates tri-modal therapy; extrapleural pneumonectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.

Valerie W. Rusch, FACS
Attending Thoracic Surgeon/Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NYPhone: (212) 639-5873 Dr. Rusch is recognized among medical professionals for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma and has written several papers comparing pleural decortication to extrapleural pneumonectomy.

Raja M. Flores, MD
Attending Thoracic Surgeon/Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NYPhone: (212) 639-2806 Dr. Flores works as the Principal Investigator on a clinical trial of neoadjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin followed by extrapleural pneumonectomy and high dose radiation. He is also involved in a trial of neoadjuvant Alimta/cisplatin, extrapleural pneumonectomy and high dose radiation. He has also compiled a 1,000 patient database to research areas of failure, and how to improve treatments for mesothelioma.

Paul H. Sugarbaker, MD, FACS, FRCS
Director, Surgical Oncology/Washington Cancer Institute, Washington, DCPhone: (202) 877-3908 Dr. Sugarbaker is a specialist in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Brian W. Loggie, MD
Professor of Surgery, Creighton University Medical School; Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology; Director of Cancer Center/Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NEPhone: (402) 280-4100 Dr. Loggie specializes in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma and peritoneal carcinomatosis. His protocol, based on eligibility, involves surgical debulking in combination with intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy.

Claire F. Verschraegen, MD
Director, Clinical Trial Office and Investigational Drug Program/Cancer Research and Treatment Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NMPhone: (505) 272-4551Dr. Verschraegen is currently conducting a front-line Alimta/gemcitabine trial for peritoneal mesothelioma patients. She also offers the following Phase I trials for patients who have already been treated with Alimta:

- Phase I Study of Capecitabine with Cisplatin and Irinotecan in Patients with Advanced Malignancies
- Phase I Study of Intravenous TZT-1027 and Gemcitabine, Administered on Day 1 and Day 8 of a Three Week Course in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
- Phase I Study of Flavoperidol in Combination with Gemcitabine and Irinotecan in Patients with Metastatic Cancer

David P. Mason, MD
Staff Surgeon, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery/Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH Phone: (216) 444-4053 Dr. Mason supports the aggressive multimodality therapy for malignant mesothelioma. This includes extrapleural pneumonectomy, chemotherapy and radiation with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). Cleveland Clinic Foundation has a multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology team with extensive experience and clinical trials in the management of malignant mesothelioma.

David M. Jablons, MD
Assistant Professor of Surgery Chief, General Thoracic Surgery/UCSF Mt. Zion Medical Center, San Francisco, CAPhone: (415) 885-3882 Dr. Jablons manages pleural mesothelioma with a radical pleurectomy/decortication and is researching other therapies.

Lary A. Robinson, MD
Director, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Principal Thoracic Surgical Oncologist/H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FLPhone: (813) 972-8412 Dr. Robinson is a member of the multidisciplinary thoracic oncology group at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center where he evaluates and treats all stages of mesothelioma. He is also involved in clinical research programs for lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Robert N. Taub, MD
Professor of Clinical Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NYPhone: (212) 305-4076 Dr. Robert Taub is a medical oncologist and Director of the Connective Tissue Oncology Program at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and involved in several ongoing multimodality studies of patients with pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. The Center is located at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Daniel Sterman, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine/University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PAPhone: (215) 614-0984 Dr. Sterman is the has published several articles on treatment and clinical trials for pleural mesothelioma.

Eric Vallieres, MD
Associate Professor of Surgery, Section of General Thoracic Surgery/University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WAPhone: (206) 598-4477 Dr. Vallieres employs a multidisciplinary approach to thoracic malignancies and related clinical trials. Dr. Vallieres co-authored an article on Induction Chemotherapy, Extra Pleural Pneumonectomy And Adjuvant Fast Neutron Radiationtherapy For Pleural Mesothelioma.

Stephen C. Yang, MD
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery/Associate Professor of Surgery and Oncology/Surgical Director, Lung Transplantation Program/Director, Thoracic Oncology Program/Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD Phone: (410) 614-3891

Mark J. Krasna, MD
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery/University of Maryland School of Medicine; Director, Thoracic Oncology Program/University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, MDPhone: (410) 328-6366Dr. Krasna has been published extensively on the role of multidisciplinary treatment of lung and esophageal cancers. He is the Principal Investigator of a trimodality treatment protocol for pleural mesothelioma at the University of Maryland. He is also an investigator in intrapleural therapy for mesothelioma.

David H. Harpole, Jr., MD
Associate Professor of Surgery, Thoracic Oncology Program/AssistantProfessor of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NCPhone: (919) 668-8413

Harvey Pass, MD
Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MIPhone: (313) 745-8746 Dr. Pass is has been recognized around the world for the treatment of mesothelioma, with special expertise in the field of photodynamic therapy, a non-surgical approach.

Gregory P. Kalemkerian, MD
Co-Director of Thoracic Oncology/University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center/Ann Arbor, MIPhone: (734) 936-5281 Dr. Kalemkerian is the director of the multidisciplinary thoracic oncology clinic at the University of Michigan Cancer Center, as well as collaborating with the thoracic oncology team at Karmanos Cancer Institute, to develop innovative clinical trials for mesothelioma patients.

Joseph S. Friedberg, MD
Chief of Thoracic Surgery/University of Pennsylvania at Presbyterian, Philadelphia, PAPhone: (215) 662-9195 Dr. Friedberg is the Principal Investigator on a trial of photodynamic therapy for pleural malignancies, and also on a trial combining Alimta/cisplatin, surgery and XRT.


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Prostate Massage for Sexual Fulfillment

Prostate massage is a great tool for assisting in the experience of a fulfilling sexual experience and an overall satisfying sex life. Prostate massage involves stimulating a man's "G-Spot" - also known as the "P-Spot" because stimulating the prostate is what leads to an almost immediate orgasm. Women have a G-spot - an area that when stimulated leads to orgasm and men have one as well.

A man's G-Spot or P-Spot is much easier to find and stimulate than a woman's because it is a known fact to be located in the prostate gland. Prostate massage will stimulate the prostate gland and consistently produce an orgasm in a man.
Why prostate massage is so erotically powerful

A man's prostate gland is located at the base of the rectum, so successful prostate massage engages this area. Some partners are hesitant to engage this area of the body for prostate massage because of the similarity to perceived homosexual sexuality. But the male G-Spot or P-Spot is located fairly shallowly within the rectum cavity, and prostate stimulation bears no resemblance to any homosexual acts.

Prostate massage is a sexual tool enjoyed by many monogamous, heterosexual couples. If it initially seems a little too alternative to your usual sexual practices, you'd be surprised at how many heterosexual couples regularly engage in prostate stimulation.

Prostate massage has the ability to induce male orgasm without genital stimulation. And if you engage prostate massage during sexual intercourse, it will produce a much stronger, more intense orgasm - kind of like getting two orgasms in one! Prostate massage is best undertaken with a lubricated instrument or finger to ease the stimulation.
How to enjoy prostate massage

If you're looking to add a little spice to your sex life, try a little prostate massage during your next sexual encounter. If you're a woman, try prostate massage as foreplay or during intercourse for an extra burst of pleasure for your man. If you're a man, don't be afraid to self-prostate massage as a key to show your partner how to please you. And active sex life needs to include regular variation; if your sex life has become routine and stale, adding prostate massage may be just the way to add some variety to your routine.

If your sex life has been fairly tame and standard, and you are nervous about just throwing prostate massage into your repertoire, talk to your partner to see how they feel about it. Sex and sexual preference can be a delicate thing, and although prostate massage is an extremely pleasurable act for most people, you may not want to catch your partner off guard and have your little sexual surprise backfire.

Prostate massage is a practice that has been enjoyed for centuries, from the ancient Greeks and the Indian Karma Sutra to present day modern sexuality. Prostate massage is not deviant in any way - it is a completely normal and healthy form of sexual expression. If you've not yet experienced prostate massage, give it a try during your next sexual encounter - you may just be pleasantly surprised!

From : http://www.thebodypharmacy.co.uk


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Self Prostate Milking : For Pleasure and for Health

The prostate gland plays a major role both in a man’s reproductive capacity and his ability to enjoy sexual acts. Little wonder then that this organ has been called the “male G-spot” or the “male uterus.” Knowing the right way to stimulate it can bring intense orgasmic pleasure. And because some studies suggest that having orgasms regularly can prevent a host of prostate disorders, more and more men are finding it to their benefit to indulge in self prostate milking.

The prostate gland is responsible for producing semen, that milky liquid that carries spermatozoa coming from the testicles and out of the penis during orgasm. While masturbation and sexual intercourse do their part in relieving the prostate of its load of semen, there are times when a partner is unavailable or a man wants to try something other than regular masturbation for a change. Here is where self prostate milking comes into play.



How does one go about doing this, especially if it’s the first time? One of the things a man should overcome is the unease that he may feel at having something penetrate him anally. Some men wonder whether they have latent homosexual feelings if they indulge in this kind of activity. But this isn’t so; all men can engage in self prostate milking whatever their sexual orientation. Another concern is that the anus is “dirty” or “unclean” because it is where fecal matter comes out. Again, this is a misconception. In fact, the mouth harbors more bacteria than any other part of the body.

You should try to find the most comfortable position for you before starting. You can lie on your side or squat for easy access. The prostate swells when a man is sexually aroused, so it would be best if you are turned on before starting so that you find your prostate immediately. It’s a walnut-sized bump located about two inches inside the rectum, behind the base of your penis. To milk the prostate, massage it gently at first, either with your finger or a sex toy, then firmer and faster as the rhythm gets you. But be sure not to massage it too vigorously, or else you run the risk of injury.

Some men recommend masturbating the penis simultaneously with self prostate milking for a one-of-a-kind sexual experience. You could have prolonged and more intense orgasms this way, and with more than the usual amount of semen coming out, especially if you haven’t had any sexual activity for a while.

However, some men report that while they do not achieve orgasm when milking their prostate glands, the level of pleasure they feel is still very intense. The semen trickles out or flows into a pool even though there’s no ejaculation, in terms of how that word is commonly understood. Instead, one feels a deep sense of pleasurable fulfillment; it has been compared to a very good bowel movement – only a hundred times more erotic.

You should be aware that there are studies indicating that certain men who masturbate or have ejaculations regularly have lower incidences of prostate inflammation, prostate cancer, and prostate enlargement. Given this evidence, self prostate milking seems to be a safe, convenient, and inexpensive way to make sure that one’s libido and prostate health are in optimum condition.

From : http://ezinearticles.com


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To find out if you have leukemia

a doctor will..
- Ask questions about your past health and symptoms.
- Do a physical exam. The doctor will look for swollen lymph nodes and check to see if your spleen or liver is enlarged.
- Order blood tests. Leukemia causes a high level of white blood cells and low levels of other types of blood cells.

If your blood tests are not normal, the doctor may want to do a bone marrow biopsy. This test lets the doctor look at cells from inside your bone. This can give key information about what type of leukemia it is so you can get the right treatment.
How is it treated?

What type of treatment you need will depend on many things, including what kind of leukemia you have, how far along it is, and your age and overall health.


If you have acute leukemia, you will need quick treatment to stop the rapid growth of leukemia cells. In many cases, treatment makes acute leukemia go into remission. Some doctors prefer the term "remission" to "cure," because there is a chance the cancer could come back.

If you have chronic lymphocytic leukemia, you may not need to be treated until you have symptoms. But chronic myelogenous leukemia will probably be treated right away. Chronic leukemia can rarely be cured, but treatment can help control the disease.

Treatments for leukemia include

Chemotherapy, which uses powerful medicines to kill cancer cells. This is the main treatment for most types of leukemia.

Radiation treatments. Radiation therapy uses high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink swollen lymph nodes or an enlarged spleen. It may also be used before a stem cell transplant.

Stem cell transplant. Donated stem cells can rebuild your supply of normal blood cells and boost your immune system. Before the transplant, radiation or chemotherapy is used to destroy cells in bone marrow and make room for donated cells.

Biological therapy. This is the use of special medicines that improve your body's natural defenses against cancer.

For some people, clinical trials are a treatment option. Clinical trials are research projects to test new medicines and other treatments. Often people with leukemia take part in these studies.

Some treatments for leukemia can cause side effects. Your doctor can tell you what problems are common and help you find ways to manage them.

Finding out that you or your child has leukemia can be a terrible shock. It may help to:

Learn all you can about the type of leukemia you have and its treatment. This will help you make the best choices and know what to expect.

Stay as strong and well as possible. A healthy diet, plenty of rest, and regular exercise can help.

Talk to other people or families who have faced this disease. Ask your doctor about support groups in your area. You can also find people online who will share their experiences with you.

From: http://www.webmd.com


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What is subtotal colectomy surgery entails? - partial colectomy - colectomy surgery

A colectomy is an operation in which surgeons remove part of the large intestine (colon). How much of the colon is removed -- and just where it is removed from -- depends on what condition is troubling you. For example, if a person has cancer in the right side of the colon, then the right segment of the colon is removed. Generally the amount of colon removed will depend on the way the blood supply to the areas of the colon is arranged in a specific patient. In some colectomies, such as those to remove a part of the left colon in diverticulitis, only a short segment of colon is removed.

Your colon begins on the right side (at the end of the small intestine) and continues across the abdomen (the transverse colon) to the left side, which connects to the rectum. If the right colon is removed, then some of small intestine and transverse colon may also be taken out. If the left colon is removed, then a part of the transverse may also be removed. It is generally preferable to leave the rectum in place since it performs the important function of storing stool. If the rectum has to be removed, as is the case in some patients with ulcerative colitis, surgeons often build a new rectum using other intestinal segments.

If a colectomy is done on a nonemergency basis, doctors make every effort to reconnect the remaining colon together, thus avoiding a colostomy. Besides the obvious inconvenience, a colostomy would require another operation at a later time to reconnect the bowel.



Keep in mind that regardless of what procedure is done, most patients will lead normal lives after a colectomy. That is because the small intestine -- not the colon -- is responsible for performing most of the bowel's vital functions. Since the main action of the colon is to absorb water from the stool, one change that patients may experience is softer, more frequent stools. This is rarely a problem that requires a lifestyle change. I encourage you to spend more time with your surgeon discussing the reason for your proposed operation, along with the various surgical options available to you.

From : http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com


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Biphasic Mesothelioma

Biphasic mesothelioma is the second most common cellular form of this disease, accounting for 20 to 40 percent of all known cases. As the name implies, biphasic mesothelioma is a mixture of two types of cancer cells.

Characteristics

Unlike the more common epithelioid type, biphasic mesothelioma cells lack a specific structure. This type of mesothelioma is a mix of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. Whereas the former has a clearly visible nucleus and is found in uniform, organized arrangements and tend to be of a single shape, sarcomatoid cells are more oval or oblong shaped and have no easily identifiable nucleus. Although both types are present in a biphasic tumor, they have a tendency to form in differentiated groups; they are not usually found in the same area of the tumor.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Mesothelioma is exceptionally difficult to diagnose, which is why it is usually not discovered until it has reached an advanced stage. It is important to confirm a history of asbestos exposure, as mesothelioma symptoms are similar to a wide range of respiratory illnesses.

The primary physician usually takes an x-ray; if there is cause for concern, the patient is referred to a radiology lab, where more advanced images are taken. If abnormal areas are discovered, a tissue sample, or biopsy is taken to confirm the diagnosis.

A recent test developed by a Japanese biotech company, called MESOMARK, may help pathologists in diagnosing mesothelioma at an earlier stage, when it is most treatable.

Treatment in most cases is limited to palliative ones, since the disease is usually diagnosed too late for surgery. Mesothelioma is usually treated with some combination of radiation and chemotherapy; surgical techniques may be used to relieve the symptoms, but in the later stages are usually not effective in treating the disease.


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Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the lubricative layer lining the inside of the chest and abdomen and the internal organs. Pathologists categorize cases according to levels of criteria, which are as follows:

Location:

• Lungs (pleural)
• Abdomen (peritoneal)
• Heart (pericardial)

Stage:

• Stage I - Cancer cells have started to form
• Stage II - Cancer has spread locally
• Stage III - Cancer has spread to adjoining areas
• Stage IV - Cancer has begun to metastasize
  
  

Cellular Structure:

• Epithelial (organized and structured)
• Sarcomatoid (random and irregular)
• Biphasic (a mix of epithelial and sarcomatoid)
• Desoplastic (a variation of the sarcomatoid variety)

Cellular structure is determined by an actual visual examination of the cells under a microscope.

About Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for approximately 10 to 15 percent of all diagnoses. The cancer cells in this case are elongated and spindle-shaped, and are arranged in a rather haphazard way. Sarcomatoid cells also lack a nucleus, unlike epithelioid cells, which have clearly visible nuclei.

The desoplastic variety of sarcomatoid mesothelioma is difficult to distinguish from healthy tissue in many cases, making an accurate diagnosis challenging.

Diagnosis

Once symptoms have been cataloged and a history of asbestos exposure determined, the next step is to look inside the body - initially with x-rays, followed up by more sophisticated imaging such as CT scans or MRIs. If these images reveal serious abnormalities, a biopsy (tissue samples) will be ordered. These are examined and analyzed at a lab, which usually confirms or contradicts the diagnosis.

When it comes to the sarcomatoid mesothelioma, traditional methods of biopsy pose additional challenges; the normal "needle core" method often results in false information, as sarcomatoid cells are often similar in appearance to benign fibrous tissue. Additionally, histological methods of diagnosis often make it difficult to distinguish between sarcomatoid mesothelioma and other types of unrelated sarcomatoid cancers.

A precise and accurate diagnosis is vital, because a misdiagnosis can lead to an inappropriate course of treatment being prescribed; it is a good idea to get a second and even a third opinion if mesothelioma is suspected.

Treatment Options

Although the details will differ depending on the individual case, all forms of cancer are treated through some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. How these are administered depends on the location and stage of the cancer.

Unfortunately, sarcomatoid mesothelioma is notoriously resistant to treatment, and prognosis is not good. Average survival rates between diagnosis and death is seven months.


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